Clock Ticks Toward Department of Homeland Security Shutdown After Midnight Deadline

Lawmakers leave D.C. without deal on immigration enforcement tactics at DHS

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The second partial government shutdown in 2026 is set to begin at 12:01 a.m. Saturday, after lawmakers left the nation's capital without reaching a deal on changes to immigration enforcement tactics at the Department of Homeland Security. The shutdown is likely to go on for some time, as Congress is out next week for the Presidents Day recess and not expected back on Capitol Hill for votes until Feb. 23.

Why it matters

The shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security raises concerns about the continuity of critical national security functions, as well as the ongoing debate over immigration enforcement policies and tactics. Democrats have pushed for policy changes after federal immigration officers killed two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis, while Republicans have opposed measures that would limit the ability of agents to conceal their identities.

The details

A procedural vote to approve funding for the Homeland Security bill for fiscal year 2026 failed Thursday to gain support from Senate Democrats because constraints to immigration enforcement were not included, such as an end to agents wearing face coverings. Even with the president's border czar Tom Homan announcing Thursday the withdrawal of the thousands of federal immigration officers from Minneapolis, Democrats argued it's not enough. While the agency Trump tasked with carrying out his mass deportation campaign of immigrants will shut down, enforcement will continue because Congress allocated a separate stream of money, about $75 billion for U.S. Immigration and Enforcement Services.

  • The second partial government shutdown in 2026 was set to begin at 12:01 a.m. Saturday.
  • Congress is out next week for the Presidents Day recess and not expected back on Capitol Hill for votes until Feb. 23.

The players

Tom Homan

The president's border czar who announced the withdrawal of thousands of federal immigration officers from Minneapolis.

Chuck Schumer

The Senate Minority Leader, D-N.Y., who argued that what Homan says today could be reversed tomorrow on a whim from President Donald Trump.

Donald Trump

The President, who said when asked about cutting a deal on the shutdown, "We'll see what happens. We always have to protect our law enforcement."

John Thune

The Senate Majority Leader from South Dakota.

Mike Johnson

The House Speaker from Louisiana.

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What they’re saying

“Without legislation, what Tom Homan says today could be reversed tomorrow on a whim from (President) Donald Trump.”

— Chuck Schumer, Senate Minority Leader (dailyfly.com)

“We'll see what happens. We always have to protect our law enforcement.”

— Donald Trump (dailyfly.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.